Chris DeLine

Whether you call it melodic hardcore, metalcore, or simply metal, Killswitch Engage has been one of the few bands this past decade to successfully make the step into the mainstream while still retaining widespread critical acclaim. The band’s forthcoming album, its second self-titled release, is the first that they’ve worked on with producer Brendan O’Brien (AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine) and is one of the most anticipated releases in the genre this year. Killswitch Engage will be featured alongside the likes of Lacuna Coil and Chimaira as Disturbed’s “Music Is a Weapon Tour” takes off across the nation, offering fans a multifaceted concert going experience. Billed as a music, tattoo, and lifestyle festival, the tour also offers up a freestyle motorcross/BMX/skate team showcase, a gaming zone, and, last but not least, a selection of the nation’s finest tattoo artists, on call and ready to serve. Forget souvenir T-shirts and oversized foam fingers, real fans get a tattoo to mark the occasion.

[This critics’ pick was originally published by City Pages.]